In the world of design, few pieces command the same reverence as the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle. Born from the visionary minds of Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand in 1928, the armchair was conceived as a radical rethinking of seating – a resolutely modernist declaration that comfort need not be sacrificed at the altar of form. Cassina, the Italian maison that has stewarded this design since the mid-20th century, has now partnered with Kiton, the Neapolitan sartorial house renowned for its bespoke tailoring, to reimagine the classic for the contemporary interior.
An icon of modern comfort and rational aesthetic
At its core, the 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort embodies the very principles of modern design. Stripped of superfluous ornamentation and celebrating the purity of geometry, its bold, cubic form juxtaposes generous cushions with a visible structural framework – a tubular steel “corset” that both contains and celebrates the upholstered elements. This articulation of form and function was a direct response to the traditional club chair of the time, and over the decades it has become one of the most instantly recognisable works of twentieth-century furniture.
Cassina’s enduring stewardship of this piece – now part of its iMaestri collection – has seen few departures from the original intent. The company’s careful curatorial approach preserves the authenticity of the design while exploring new materials and finishes that speak to contemporary sensibilities.
The Kiton Collaboration: Craftsmanship meets design legacy
In 2025, Cassina marks a milestone in both its own history and that of the Grand Confort with an unprecedented collaboration with Kiton – a brand revered in fashion circles for its meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to the highest quality fabrics. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of Cassina’s production of the Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand Collection, the limited-edition 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle, Durable – Kiton bridges the worlds of haute couture and high design.
The collaboration brings to the armchair an exquisite upholstery in velvet-touch cashmere, woven with fibres prized for their softness and longevity. Offered in harmonious bi-tone palettes – deep burgundy with rich blue, or vice versa – the limited edition (just 120 numbered pieces) transforms a design classic into a tactile symbol of contemporary luxury.
This reinterpretation extends beyond mere surface treatment: Cassina’s celebrated structural framework is finished in a glossy blue hue, adding a striking visual counterpoint to the plush upholstery. Internally, the commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of recycled fibres and bio-based polyurethane elements, underscoring a conscious approach to modern production.
The significance of craft and context
What makes this collaboration particularly compelling is not only its aesthetic refinement but also its cultural resonance. Kiton’s involvement is more than a branding exercise – it is an infusion of sartorial philosophy into a design object, infusing the armchair with a sense of gesture and nuance more commonly associated with bespoke tailoring. In the words of Kiton’s CEO, the project realises a long-held aspiration to “elevate a piece of furniture with Kiton’s extraordinary raw materials and fabrics.”
For Cassina, this moment represents a reaffirmation of its role as a custodian of design heritage – one that is not frozen in time but open to reinvention. This limited edition doesn’t merely commemorate a milestone; it exemplifies how timeless designs can gain fresh life when approached with curiosity and respect for craft.
The Cassina × Kiton 3 Fauteuil Grand Confort, Grand Modèle, Durable is more than just a new release; it is a conversation between eras, disciplines, and artisanal traditions. It honours the radical creative impulses of its original designers while embracing contemporary craftsmanship and material sophistication. In an age where design often risks homogenisation, this collaboration stands as a testament to what happens when two masters of their craft come together – enriching a beloved classic with new sensibilities while staying true to its enduring essence.
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